Page 103 of Dangerous Devotion

“I’ve been approached by an organization called the Paraskia Syndicate,” Gabe said, his tone serious. “As it turns out, both our grandfathers had some connections to the Paraskia.”

I stared at the book. “Paraskia Syndicate?” I’d never heard of them before, which was somewhat unsettling.

Gabe nodded. “After careful consideration, I’ve decided to work with them.” He met my eyes, his gaze steady. “I think you should do your research. You might come to the same conclusion.”

I frowned, skepticism rising within me. “Paraskia Syndicate—are you serious?”

Gabe nodded. “Ivan Zotov.”

“Ivan Zotov?” I growled. “You want to tell me that Zotov works for this Paraskia Syndicate?”

Gabe nodded.

I narrowed my brows. “Are we talking about the same Ivan Zotov? The Russian bastard who kidnapped Jemma and is still holding Mira and Bella hostage?” I clenched my fists involuntarily at the thought of that bastard and the fucking games he’d been playing. “I can’t wait to discuss this with Zotov,” I said and raised my clenched fist. I couldn’t wait to tell Zotov—without words—what I thought of him.

Gabe held up a hand, his expression cautioning patience. “I know you’re angry. But there’s more to this than you know. Just…keep an open mind, okay?”

The hell would I keep an open mind. The bastard had fucked with me and my family long enough. As soon as I got him into my sight, I would kill him. But I would do it fast—that was as much consideration as I was willing to give him.

EPILOGUE

Itook a sip of my drink, then sank back into the plush cushions of the patio chair.

Castello dei Pietra sure was beautiful, even in autumn. The Italian sun warmed my skin, a stark contrast to the colder climate back home, or the cold fear that had gripped me again and again in the past couple of days.

I gazed at the familiar faces of Sophie and Cara, then focused on Fee, and relief washed over me—thank God she was okay.

“God, Fee, I still can’t believe you got poisoned,” Sophie said, shaking her head. “And you’re sure you’re okay now?” She narrowed her eyes. “You should’ve stayed in the hospital.”

Fee rolled her eyes, but I could see the lingering tension in her shoulders. “I feel like I have a hard time breathing,” she suddenly said, then paused.

I jumped up, Sophie sucked in air, and Cara looked like she was about to bawl.

Then she gave Sophie that look. “Because you’re smothering me.”

Sophie sighed, and I sat back down and glared at her. Not funny.

“I’m sorry, it’s hormones,” Sophie said. “Gabe says I’m getting worse by the day.” Sophie reached out and squeezed Fee’s hand. “I’m just glad you’re okay. When we heard…” Her voice trailed off, and I felt a pang in my chest.

That whole incident happened because of me. I closed my eyes. No. It wasn’t my fault Vince’s father tried to poison me, and there was nothing I could’ve done to prevent it.

So it was stupid to take this onto myself.

“I’ll live,” Fee said, “and please don’t worry. Alex won’t let me forget it, anyway. He’s been hovering like a mother hen.”

I opened my eyes again and watched Sophie nod and smile.

She looked radiant, her pregnancy giving her a glow that seemed to light up her whole surroundings. Despite the rocky start of her relationship, she exuded a sense of peace and happiness that I would’ve envied—if I hadn’t met Vince.

Now, we only needed Mira and Isa back, and everything would truly be okay.

“It’s been a crazy few days for you,” Cara murmured and squeezed my hand in her usual quiet manner. “I still can’t wrap my head around it all. And you’re married.”

Before I could respond, the sliding glass door opened, and the men spilled out onto the patio. My eyes immediately found Vince, but I was sidetracked by the sight of Gabe making his way to Sophie on the other side of the table.

He bent down and pressed a kiss to her temple while his hand rested protectively on her swollen belly. The tenderness in his eyes as he looked at her made my breath catch. Itwas a side of Gabe I’d only ever caught glimpses of, and it transformed him completely.

“Everything okay, Stellina?” he murmured, and Sophie nodded, leaning into him.

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